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How to prepare your children for a new baby

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Children react in different ways when they find out that a new baby is coming into their home.

Here are some important tips to help prepare them for their new sibling:

Talk to them about the baby and make them feel special and included.

​Explain what will happen when you go to the hospital; who will take care of them when you are gone; about how long you will be hospitalized; and when they will be able to see their new brother or sister.

Children, especially preschoolers, need to be reassured that the new baby will not take their place.

Let your child help get the baby’s room ready and encourage them to learn what a big brother or sister can do.

Many hospitals and clinics now have classes for siblings who are “expecting a baby.” They can help you show the child how important they will be in the newborn’s life.

Your library has books to help even very young children understand what is happening.